HockeyNow: CRAVE Scout Zoo

We’ve shone a spotlight on plenty of gear in our HockeyNow: CRAVE
series (which we’re bringing back this month after a long hiatus), and
although we plan to do the same, we thought it was high time that we
look at some new technology, and an app that has huge potential to
change the way scouts, recruiters and players connect.

Scout Zoo, which just launched
last month, is a web platform that allows players to market their own
talents online, and gives scouts and recruiters the ability to see
countless players in action at their leisure.

We spoke to Scout Zoo founder Jadan Claire, who said it was his own hockey upbringing that inspired him to start the company.

“My experience growing up and playing hockey and not being able to
get that extra level of exposure is what motivated me,” he explained.
“We relied on scouts watching us in playoffs and tournaments only.”

So how does it work?

In short, Scout Zoo is a platform where athletes can post videos and
where recruiters can view reels and then connect with players. Players
can upload videos, tag them with the skills they’re highlighting, and
even add a spotlight within the video that follows them on the ice. Once
videos are up, players get a notification any time their profile is
viewed by a scout or a recruiter – which in itself could be an
attractive feature to players hoping to get noticed.

“The traditional way [for players to reach out to recruiters] was to
send a dvd off to a team or school,” Claire explains. “Well, how did you
know if it got there or if anyone was even watching it? This replaces
the struggle.”

Of course, this may all be a little too simple for some and even
Claire acknowledges that the platform isn’t for everyone. But there’s no
question that the next generation of players and scouts is more tech
savvy than ever. Plus, we’re able to record high quality video on our
phones, which with an app like Scout Zoo, could be shared right away.

The platform should definitely appeal to recruiters scouting
internationally – and the company does in fact hope to find success in
the European market, where, as we all know, many North American players
are able to extend their careers.

Another cool feature in the works are player evaluations, where
players can get unbiased professional reports from NHL scouts on areas
of strength and improvement based on review of their videos. Pro scout
Mike Penny is leading the charge on this initiative which will be
launched soon.

The company is also working with former Harvard Crimson women’s
hockey captain Alisa Hansen (née Baumgartner) with the plans on cracking
the female hockey market.

For now, Claire says the company is focused on getting as many
players and recruiters into the system as they can and offer a user
experience like none other.

Only time will tell if Scout Zoo becomes the new norm. The potential
is definitely there and we’ll be keeping our eye on this one for sure.

Established in 1999, HockeyNow is the only magazine delivering the best in news and stories from across the minor, junior, collegiate and female hockey ranks, both in print and through our world-class website at HockeyNow.ca. Print copies of our 43 annual issues are available free in hockey rinks across B.C., Alberta, and Ontario. We are deeply involved and committed to developing and promoting the game of hockey to our readers through unique perspectives and stories they won’t find anywhere else. See more...